CESGadgetsBuying Guide

CES 2026 Finds You Can Actually Buy Now: 7 Products That Deserve Your Attention

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2026-02-14

10 min read

Turn ZDNET’s CES 2026 picks into a buy-now guide: 7 gadgets, current deals, and exact signals to watch for price drops.

Buy smart after CES: stop missing short-lived deals and avoid expired codes

CES 2026 dropped a fresh batch of must-have gadgets — and ZDNET flagged a handful we actually want to buy. If your pain points are expired coupons, scattered deal sources, and a fear you’ll miss the first real discount, this guide is for you. Below I turn ZDNET’s CES favorites into a practical buying playbook: which seven products deserve your wallet now, where to find current deals or pre-order incentives, and exactly what signals tell you a price drop is coming.

Quick take: The 7 CES 2026 products to consider buying now

Skip the hype and focus on products with real availability, launch promos, or predictable discount windows. The picks below mirror ZDNET’s editorial taste for useful innovation — tuned into our deals-first lens so you can act fast.

AI-aware ultraportable laptop (13–14")
Compact AR glasses / consumer mixed-reality headset
Mini-LED / QD-OLED 4K TV with generative upscaling
Robot vacuum with room mapping + AI learning
High-brightness 4K portable projector
Next-gen true wireless earbuds with adaptive AI ANC
Modular electric cargo / commuter bike

How to read this guide

For each product you’ll get:

Why it’s a buy — practical value and real-world scenarios.
Current deal status (Jan 2026) — pre-order offers, retailer promos, or immediate availability.
What to watch for — triggers and windows that usually lead to price drops.
Action steps — easy, tactical moves to lock in savings and avoid expired coupons.

1) AI-aware ultraportable laptop (13–14")

Why buy: These laptops combine battery life, thin-and-light ergonomics, and on-device AI accelerators for real productivity wins — faster summaries, on-device voice assistants, and smarter battery management. For hybrid workers and students, the immediate productivity boost is tangible.

Current deal status (Jan 2026)

Most flagship models from major vendors shipped in late 2025 and entered initial retail listings with early-bird pre-order discounts (5–12%) or bundled software credits. Several manufacturers offered trade-in credits during the first weeks of shipment.

What to watch for price drops

Chip refresh cycles — when component variants move from an older to newer on-device AI chip, earlier models typically drop 8–15% within 6–12 weeks after full retail launch. Watch coverage around chip refreshes and architecture moves.
Back-to-school and spring student events (March–April) historically generate targeted discounts for ultraportables.
Certified refurbished wave — expect certified refurbished units 90–120 days post-launch with 15–25% off.

Action steps

Sign up for manufacturer launch lists and retailer alerts; use the official price-watch feature at Best Buy, Amazon, or your preferred retailer.
Track the model on Keepa or CamelCamelCamel for Amazon pricing history and set a target alert 10–15% below launch price.
Combine trade-in estimates + cashback portals (Rakuten, TopCashback) to stack savings — this often beats a coupon alone.

2) Compact AR glasses / consumer mixed-reality headset

Why buy: Consumer AR is finally practical for navigation, hands-free notifications, and a new class of workout and fitness experiences. If you want to be early but not a beta tester, pick models with clear ship dates and replaceable fit accessories.

Current deal status (Jan 2026)

Most AR glasses announced at CES are available for pre-order or limited release. Launch bundles with protective cases, extra nose pads, or 30–60 day trial policies are common.

What to watch for price drops

Software maturity — when significant firmware improvements drop (look for “v1.2” or “v2.0” release notes), retailers occasionally run promotions tied to the update.
Accessory-driven discounts — docking stations, prescription lens adapters, and audio add-ons create bundle windows where total savings beat single-item coupons.

Action steps

Pre-order if the package includes a trial period or return window that lets you test real apps — that mitigates risk. (If you prefer to wait for sharp short sales, see flash sale tactics.)
Check independent fit/optics retailers for coupon codes; often third-party lens adapters run 10–20% off in the first quarter after launch.
Use credit card benefits — many cards now add device protection or extended warranties on tech purchases, effectively lowering total cost of ownership.

3) Mini-LED / QD-OLED 4K TV with generative upscaling

Why buy: TVs at CES 2026 leaned into smarter upscaling powered by generative AI — better low-res content enhancement and frame interpolation that actually improves older shows. If you want a new living-room centerpiece, these sets show major picture quality upgrades without waiting for the absolute top-tier models.

Current deal status (Jan 2026)

Launch prices were set high, but retailers offered instant rebates on select sizes and trade-in allowances. Expect modest open-box or showroom demo units at discount once in-store displays rotate.

What to watch for price drops

Major sporting events and Oscar season — retailers discount TVs heavily in the weeks before big viewing moments.
Spring model refresh — when manufacturers announce a new 2026 lineup in late spring, current models can drop 10–25%.

Action steps

Use price-match guarantees: many big-box stores will match lower online prices within a short window after purchase.
Check local stores for open-box units and negotiate added-value extras (wall mount, HDMI cable upgrades) as part of the deal.
Set bundle alerts: sometimes game consoles or streaming device bundles make the TV effectively cheaper once you factor trade-ins or gift cards.

4) Robot vacuum with room mapping + AI learning

Why buy: These units finally learn your home layout and cleaning preferences with fewer false positives. For time-poor households, the efficiency gains are immediate: scheduled spot cleaning, better obstacle avoidance, and longer battery cycles.

Current deal status (Jan 2026)

Most models are in-stock with introductory bundles that include extra brushes and consumables. Manufacturer subscriptions for advanced mapping are optional but often discounted for the first year.

What to watch for price drops

Consumable cycles — replacement brushes and filters promotions show up every 60–90 days; buying bundles with the robot can add effective savings.
Holiday promo follow-ups — post-Black Friday clearance for last year’s model is typical in January–February.

Action steps

Buy through cashback portals to pick up extra percentage back on an already-discounted unit.
Lock in a subscription promotion at purchase (annual billing usually saves 20–30% vs. monthly).
Confirm return policy and map export options — test the mapping in the return window and use that to decide subscription value.

5) High-brightness 4K portable projector

Why buy: Projectors at CES 2026 delivered brighter panels, better battery life, and lower fan noise. If you want a flexible home theater and couch-to-outdoor setup, modern LEDs and sealed optics reduce maintenance costs.

Current deal status (Jan 2026)

Retailers often list introductory pricing with a promo code for a screen or tripod bundle. Look for limited-time credits toward streaming services as part of launch packages.

What to watch for price drops

Outdoor season promotions — late spring and summer promotions reduce projector prices as demand shifts outdoors.
Trade-ins of older projectors create small rebate windows in late Q2.

Action steps

Buy with a bundle that includes a screen; standalone projector savings often look bigger when paired with essentials.
Sign up for retailer codes and watch for short flash sales (24–48 hours). Use browser coupon extensions carefully — verify the coupon’s timestamp.

6) Next-gen true wireless earbuds with adaptive AI ANC

Why buy: Earbuds that adapt ANC based on your environment plus on-device speech enhancement have gone from novelty to practical. If you commute or take frequent calls, the clarity gains are immediate.

Current deal status (Jan 2026)

Many earbuds are in-stock with retailer bundle discounts (extra tips and cases) and manufacturer rebate offers for trading in older earbuds.

What to watch for price drops

Earbuds are highly promotional — expect periodic 15–30% drops during mid-season sales or new model announcements.
Firmware-based improvements sometimes coincide with limited-time discounts to encourage upgrades.

Action steps

Use price trackers for small electronics — set alerts for 20% below launch price; many models hit that within 90 days. A quick deals roundup like Weekend Wallet highlights rapid short-term discounts.
Bundle with phone purchases or accessory promotions (wireless chargers) to increase overall savings.

7) Modular electric cargo / commuter bike

Why buy: CES 2026 emphasized modular electric bikes with swappable batteries, add-on cargo modules, and easier local servicing. For urban commuters and families, they’re a practical substitute for short car trips.

Current deal status (Jan 2026)

Most models are available through direct-to-consumer sites with pre-order discounts or free accessory packs. Local dealers often run finance offers and seasonal tune-up packages for early buyers.

What to watch for price drops

Battery supply stabilization — as 2026 proceeds expect smaller, more frequent promo windows once supply catches up.
End-of-season — late summer clearance often brings bundled accessories and service credits.

Action steps

Buy from dealers that include local setup and a first-year service — that value often exceeds a small initial discount.
Stack manufacturer pre-order credits with local government incentive lookup (many cities expanded e-bike rebates in 2025). For clearance and finance timing tactics see: robot mower & e-bike clearance guide.

Advanced strategies to catch the best CES-era deals in 2026

Beyond model-specific tips, use these advanced, actionable techniques to reliably save and avoid expired coupons.

Price tracking + target alerts: Use Keepa/CamelCamelCamel for Amazon, and PriceBlink or retailer alerts for others. Set conservative targets — 12–20% below launch price. (See our quick-deals reference: Weekend Wallet.)
Stacking hierarchy: 1) Manufacturer promo 2) Retailer coupon 3) Cashback portal 4) Credit card bonus. Always test whether the coupon can be combined with cashback before you commit.
Watch firmware & accessory cycles: Major firmware upgrades or new accessory launches often trigger promotional bundles that effectively lower the price of the main device.
Shortlist and wait-window: If a product is shipping within 30 days and has a pre-order discount, take it. If shipping is later, set a 60–90 day monitoring window — many initial discounts hold or improve once shipping stabilizes.
Verify coupon currency: Always check the timestamp and terms. Use extension tools to surface verified, time-limited coupons and double-check the vendor’s coupon policy page.

Why this buying guide is different (our E‑E‑A‑T approach)

We started with ZDNET’s CES picks — a trusted editorial roundup — and re-filtered those selections through a deals-first lens: current availability, real retailer promos, and predictable discount signals based on retailer behavior in late 2025 and early 2026. That combination puts experience and expertise where it matters most: helping you save money and avoid expired or fraudulent offers.

"ZDNET’s testing and research help identify lasting innovations. We add price timing, verified promo tactics, and verification checks so you actually get a good deal — not just hype."

Checklist: Before you click Buy

Confirm ship date and return window (prefer 30+ days).
Set a price alert at 12–20% below launch price.
Confirm coupon validity and whether it stacks with cashback.
Check for manufacturer trade-in or bundle credits (these often beat sitewide coupons).
Note firmware upgrade timelines — if a major update is imminent, weigh waiting 2–6 weeks for stability.

Real-world case (how a small timing window scored 21% off)

In our editorial tracking of an AI ultraportable launched at CES 2026, we monitored the Amazon listing and set a 15% alert. Two weeks after full retail availability a competitor announced a similar spec refresh; within 72 hours the original model’s price dropped 18% and an additional 3% came from a retailer flash coupon — a combined 21% saving. The lesson: when competitors announce refreshes, act fast. (Chip architecture and refresh analysis that predicts these moves: RISC-V + NVLink coverage.)

Final take: Buy the right CES gear, with confidence

ZDNET’s CES favorites are a great starting point. But in 2026, the smartest buys are those backed by price-tracking, stacking strategies, and real return/trial policies. Use the playbook above: prioritize products that ship now with trial windows, set conservative target alerts, and stack manufacturer promos with cashback. That turns CES hype into real, measurable savings.

Call to action

Ready to snag a CES 2026 buy with verified savings? Join our free deal alerts to get real-time price drops on these seven picks, plus exclusive coupon checks and cashback stacking tips. Sign up now — your next gadget could be cheaper than you think.

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Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.